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User profile for user: frnknstn
frnknstn Author
User level: Level 1
11 points

How do I install a Mac OS on an A1225 that doesn't have an OS, and no user ID nor a password?

I was given an old A1225 Mac from church. Nobody there knows anything about it except it has sat there since the old staff was there more than 12 years ago. I turn it on, and it boots to an 'OS X Utilities' screen. I selected Disk Utility and Both Hard Drive and Partition check out good.


I admit, I've been with IBM compatibles since the late 70's. I'm guessing there isn't a functioning OS on this mac?!


I'm learning how the other side does things here, and it does have a slight 'Linux feel' about it. Anyone out there willing to help an old dog with a little assistance in what possible direction to go in?


Thanks.

Posted on Apr 13, 2021 9:15 AM

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
154,868 points

Posted on Apr 13, 2021 9:33 AM

An A1225 could be either a:

  • Mid 2007 24-in. iMac (Model Identifier: iMac7,1)
  • Early 2008 24-in. iMac (Model Identifier: iMac8,1), or a
  • Early 2009 24-in. iMac (Model Identifier: iMac9,1)


Regardless, it appears that it is booting up into Recovery Mode.

Ref: About macOS Recovery on Intel-based Mac computers - Apple Support


Typically, you would use this mode to both fully erase and re-install macOS. The link I provided should provide you with the basics.


However, a number of pre-2009 Mac models did not come with a Recovery Partition and would require the original installation discs to boot up in this mode.

Ref: Command R not working! How to reinstall macOS if Recovery won't work - Macworld

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
154,868 points

Apr 13, 2021 9:33 AM in response to frnknstn

An A1225 could be either a:

  • Mid 2007 24-in. iMac (Model Identifier: iMac7,1)
  • Early 2008 24-in. iMac (Model Identifier: iMac8,1), or a
  • Early 2009 24-in. iMac (Model Identifier: iMac9,1)


Regardless, it appears that it is booting up into Recovery Mode.

Ref: About macOS Recovery on Intel-based Mac computers - Apple Support


Typically, you would use this mode to both fully erase and re-install macOS. The link I provided should provide you with the basics.


However, a number of pre-2009 Mac models did not come with a Recovery Partition and would require the original installation discs to boot up in this mode.

Ref: Command R not working! How to reinstall macOS if Recovery won't work - Macworld

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
146,668 points

Apr 13, 2021 9:29 AM in response to frnknstn

Please review https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-2-duo-2.4-24-inch-aluminum-specs.html


Considering it is 15 years old now getting an OS for it may prove difficult. Apple stopped selling the replacement DVDs and Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6) DVDs for it years ago. Your best bet for a OS is to look on E-bay or Amazon for a White Snow Leopard DVD. ONLY the white one!!


To learn about Mac OS I'd suggest getting yourself a book and to search online, there are multitudes of tutorials including information Apple has on it's site, Youtube, etc....


Have fun with it.

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How do I install a Mac OS on an A1225 that doesn't have an OS, and no user ID nor a password?

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